Historically a part of Lancashire, Derker was recorded as a place of residence in 1604 with the name Dirtcar.

[2] All of the mills have now been demolished either as a part of the housing market renewal scheme or converted into industrial units.

[7] However, with the switch to the Conservative government in 2010, the funding for the Housing Market Renewal Initiative ceased.

Friends of Stoneleigh Park, originally set up in 1992, was reformed in 2007 through a partnership involving Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale, Community Links and a committed group of residents.

The park facilities listed are; Derker is home to the gym of former super middleweight boxer Eric Noi who was nominated in 2010 for BeMOBO award for his work in the community and is also home to Oldham Cricket Club who play in the Central Lancashire Cricket League.